“And leaving Nazareth, he came and swelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” (Matthew 4:13-16)
When Jesus came into the world, there was plenty of darkness. Indeed, the people of that day were surrounded by it.
As we read the gospels, we can see the darkness in various areas of their lives. Politically, they were subservient to the Romans. Religiously, they were bound by strict adherence to hundreds of rules that had been somewhat loosely based on God’s ten commandments. In addition, there were many diseases and disabilities prevalent in their society. In the person of Jesus Christ, great light came into their situations.
In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Everyone who accepted Him, began to walk in the light that He gave. It was quite a change from what they had experienced. Fast forward to our day.
We are experiencing great darkness. Politically, division is the order of the day. Wars and rumor of wars occupy the headlines. There are many religions – but Jesus is denied by many of them. However, His light still shines.
Obviously, Jesus is no longer on this earth. His light is. As believers, we are His representatives. His light shines through us. Matthew 5:14-16 states this clearly:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
During this Christmas season we celebrate the birth of Jesus – the light that came into the world. At the same time, we shoulder the responsibility of being the light He has intended us to be. Our lives are to show this world – His light still shines!!
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 
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